Atlantis Books: Is This the Prettiest Bookshop in Greece?
Last Updated on 13th June 2025 by Sophie Nadeau
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Wander down the little lanes that form Oia. Stroll past the small passageway that leads towards the blue domed church and away from the town’s main square. Instead, walk towards where the sea looks its best at sunset and you’ll find a little bookshop by the name of Atlantis Books. Situated in the very heart of Oia, this small bookstore may well be the prettiest bookseller in all of Greece…
As of 2025, it seems as if Atlantis books is open and operating as usual. Unfortunately, during late 2023-2024 there was a spate where the bookshop operated under irregular opening hours and so it was advisable to not plan your trip around visiting. Luckily, the situation seems to be resolved as of June 2025.
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Atlantis Books: Is this the prettiest bookshop in Greece?
Located on the cliffs in the picture-perfect town of Oia (a beautiful Santorini village which is actually pronounced ‘e-ah’), this place is well known for its stunning sunsets and white-washed houses. And it’s here where you’ll find Atlantis Books, a shop founded in the mid-2000s.
Located within a white-washed house and decorated in blue bookshelves, within the walls of Atlantis Books you’ll find pre-loved books as well as newer titles for sale. The idea for an Anglophone bookshop was first conceived in 2002 when two Americans were holidaying in Santorini.
While on vacation, both friends finished their books. Once they’d done so, they soon realised that no matter how postcard-perfect Santorini may be, there were no good Anglophone booksellers on the island.
And so, while sipping on whiskey and strolling the streets of Oia, they stumbled upon a disused white-washed building. Their dream store came fully to fruition in 2004 when Atlantis Books was well and truly opened to the public.
The shop was inspired by the iconic bookshop of Shakespeare and Co. in Paris. And once inside Atlantis Books, you’ll soon discover just how alike the two stores are; both have narrow ceilings and are absolutely crammed with books.
Shelf upon shelf upon shelf of rare, vintage, and newly printed books are for sale. Sitting side by side with all-time classics, the books in the shop fill every bit of available wall space, while small reading nooks and tiny pockets populate the rest of the shop.
Today, the shop hosts regular festivals, including events dedicated to food and film. All in all, Atlantis Books is easily one of the most beautiful bookshops in Europe.
Attractions near Atlantis Books
Much of Oia is focused around one central town square and for the most part, the village is pretty much pedestrianised. This means like many Greek settlements, Oia is best seen on foot.
Head to the town come sunset for some of the best views to be found anywhere in Greece (though beware of all the crowds!) or visit the town in the early morning to see Oia in a completely different light (literally!) For more inspiration, be sure to check out our 3 days in Santorini guide.
The Red Bicycle
This indoor-outdoor restaurant has a seating area which offers breathtakingly beautiful views onto the Aegean Sea. Serving experimental food, the Red Bicycle serves traditional Greek cuisine with a culinary twist. For example, one dish on the tasting menu quite literally ‘depicts Santorini’ while another is a savoury cheesecake complete with tomato ice cream!
Oia Windmill
While the windmills of Santorini are not quite as famous as the Mykonos Windmills, there are still a few to be found dotted around the island. The windmill is best viewed at sunset and is typical of Cyclades Islands architecture.
You will surely not be disappointed should you opt to visit Greece, though there are a number of things to consider while planning your trip, such as the best time of the year to visit and other travel considerations. Check out our guide to the best of Greece tips for more information and inspiration!
